Handyman seeks to be Boulder County's next sheriff

Toby Fernsler, a 43-year-old general contractor and handyman who lives in Boulder, is running for Boulder County sheriff.

Fernsler, who's not affiliated with any political party, filed his candidacy affidavit with the Colorado Secretary of State's office on March 11 and has created a website on which he says he's seeking to be the "Sheriff of Love."

He said that the decision to seek the office was "an idea that just grew in me a bit" because of his belief that law enforcement should emphasize trying to change the behaviors of criminal offenders — and addressing situations that may have led to them violating the law — as well as providing justice for victims.

He said there should be "less focus on prosecution" and "more on positive solutions."

Fernsler's candidacy, if he collects enough petition signatures to gain a spot on November's general election ballot, will create a contest with incumbent Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, a Democrat who's seeking reelection to a fourth four-year term. No Republicans or members of other political parties have thus far declared their candidacies for the seat.

Fernsler said he's worked "in a wide variety" of scientific and computer programming fields and recently completed the Boulder County Sheriff's Office's Citizens Law Enforcement Academy.

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He acknowledged he doesn't have a background in law enforcement but said that "I'm doing the best I can to prepare myself to do what I say I'm going to do" as sheriff.

Fernsler wrote on his website that "the Sheriff of Love is the county's elected protector. He looks out for the well being of the residents, businesses, visitors, animal, land, water, air, history and future. His every action is motivated by universal love and untainted by fear."